What is the percentage of patients with severe anemia undergoing iron infusion therapy, at risk for developing dental problems?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: What is the percentage of patients with severe anemia undergoing iron infusion therapy, at risk for developing dental problems?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): no
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): A co-existing diadnoses of a pituitary adenoma.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Improvement in treatment of dental problems from iron infusion therapy.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: Dental fracturing and breakage.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

Describe why this topic is important.: Iron infusion therapy causes severe dental fractures and breakage.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): Treatment for dental problems arising from iron infusion therapy is not currently covered by Medicare.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: Clinicians are unable to treat Medicare recipients even though dental problems are side effect from treatment of a medical condition.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: By providing fact-based research to present to policy-makers for the inclusion of Medicare dental coverage as related to medical conditions or the side effects from treatment of a medical condition.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: It is of the utmost importance that an answer be received as soon as possible.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: Medicare recipients and low income patients in need of but unable to receive dental treatment, are functionally limited and disabled. These patients are also at risk for depression.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): By providing fact-based research to present to policy-makers for the inclusion of Medicare dental coverage as related to medical conditions or the side effects from treatment of a medical condition.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

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